By Nicholas Osei-Wusu
The four-day ‘Dote Yie’ or traditional burial rite for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom, began this morning in the Ashanti Regional capital of Kumasi.
Public viewing and filing past of the remains by designated groupings in society at the Manhyia Palace started at 5 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m., a schedule that will continue through Thursday, 18th of this month.
However, on Thursday, public viewing of the body will end at about 11 a.m. to allow for the burial service.
Among the designated segments of society to pay their last respects to the late Queen Mother today are political parties, educational institutions, recognized associations, religious groups, and members of the general public.
In accordance with Asante culture, tradition, and custom, and in honour of the late Asantehemaa, females ready to file past and view the body should not wear jewellery, earrings, headgear, or flip-flops, while males must remove their sandals before filing past it.
The ‘Dote Yie’ took off last night with performances by traditional priests and priestesses operating within Asanteman till this dawn when public viewing began.
Enough security, protocol, and medical arrangements have been made to cater for the safety, security, emergency health needs, and orderliness to safeguard the interest of all the people.
Vehicular movement to and from the Manhyia Palace has been severely restricted, with buses and other forms of transport provided to convey mourners from designated points within the vicinity of the Palace to avoid congestion.
On the final day, Thursday, September 18, the President and his appointees, former Presidents, the former Vice President, the Chief Justice and members of the judiciary, the Speaker and MPs, among other key state functionaries, will have their turn while the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, will sit in state to receive homage.
The mortal remains of the late Nana Konadu Yiadom will be laid to rest at the Breman Royal Mausoleum at midnight on Thursday.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, schools and trading activities within Kumasi have been asked to close as a last respect to the late 14th Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom, who reigned for eight years, having succeeded her biological mother, the late Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, who died in November 2016.
